Cameron Smith wihdraws from World Club Challenge
Written by: Chris Couch
February 7th, 2008 02:00 PM
Melbourne Storm captain and current World Player of the Year Cam Smith has withdrawn from the club’s trip to England for the World Club Challenge due to the impending birth of his first child with partner Barb Johnson.
Although not due until March 10 (the World Club Challenge is on February 29), Smith is taking no chances with the possibility his partner may give birth while the squad are in England.
“It would have been great to travel to England and play in the World Club Challenge, but my priorities at the moment are Barb and the baby,” said Smith.
“There’s still a slight chance if the baby arrives early I may make the trip across, but at this point in time it’s highly unlikely.”
While disappointed Smith won’t be travelling with the squad to England, Storm coach Craig Bellamy realises there are things more important in life than football.
“It’s unfortunate Cam can’t come to England with us but we as a club understand family comes first and we’re more than happy to support Cam and Barb in the decision they’ve made,” said Bellamy.
“We’ve known this scenario was a possibility for a while now and we’ve got contingency plans in place to deal with the changes to the line-up that will now need to be made.”
In his absence, the number nine jersey is likely to go to Storm veteran Matt Geyer, although Bellamy was non-committal when asked who would be filling in for Smith.
“Obviously Matt (Geyer) will come into calculations for the hooker’s role, but there are several other players who can fill the void who we’ll look at over the next two weeks,” said Bellamy.
Geyer, who is in the final year of his playing career, has been spending a lot of time in the hooker’s role during pre-season training.
“I’m confident the team will do well in my absence and if Matt Geyer plays at hooker I’m sure he’ll play exceptionally well,” said Smith.
“All I know right now is I’ll be up bright and early on the Saturday morning to watch the boys in action.”
Melbourne Storm travel to England on Monday, February 18 before playing a practice game against Halifax on Friday, February 22 prior to the World Club Challenge.
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